Wha'z up?
Funny you should mention Iraq Peak because I was thinking the same thing. I would wait until after the war (if it does happen) and the dust settles, which may take an awful long time, becuase I think there would be a need for EFL instructors in Iraq IF a somewhat democratic government takes hold and the country is shakey but stable. My gut instincts tell me however that there will be a lot of in-fighting among the different ethnic groups and self-interest groups. If the U.S. has a plan to develop the country after a possible war there may be a demand for English since the U.S. will obviously have an influence in that country. Sort of the same scenario in Vietnam. I would imagine pay would be horrible though, but may be an interesting experience. I am in favor of continued inspections rather than military action by the way.
Chow for Now,
Always Looking For Possibilities As Remote As They Maybe In Motown Gary B.

"Well, Mustafa. We have a wide range of English programs available to you, Inshallah! For example, there's English for Anthrax Survivors-101, featuring Headway's new gas-mask FAQ entitled, "How to take off your gas-mask without pulling out your hair." And this year, we are proud to be offering English for POW'S, with a special focus on table manners behind bars. No? Well, how about "Intro to English for Traitors of the Regime?" But wait. That's not all, Mustafa! If you sign up today for one course at the regular price ... we'll throw in a 10% discount on our new Kiddie's course. For this class, we are reviving the old American standby from the Cold War, "Run, Duck and Cover", a **NEW** and **EXCITING** ESL children's book featuring the illustrated guide entitled, "What to do When you Hear the AC-130 Gunships Approaching." ... Meet the lovable Barney and all of his friends...hug him, play with him, and then run with him to the nearest air-raid shelter! There, you can all sing along to that old-time classic and favorite kids' song, "No head or shoulders, knees or toes, knees or toes. No head or shoulders, knees or toes, knees or toes. Shot and bruised with a bloody nose, No head or shoulders, knees or toes, knees or toes!"

Good grief

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Dear backpacker 03,
I'd advise against Iraq right now. The " human shields " are probably taking up all the English instruction slack there. But have you considered North Korea? Just be sure to pack a lot of food.
Regards,
John

Wha'z up?
OK you guys laugh, but I'm tellin' ya that in a couple or several years Afghanistan and Iraq could be the next hot spot for EFL. Where is one of the biggest demands and the place where they pay the biggest bucks? It's right smack dab in the middle of the Middle East now! He who laughs last gets the biggest bucks.
Thinking Ahead In Motown Gary B.

That tells you a lot right there.Some of these guys(in almost all cases not qualified) get the idea that they are sort of well,you know, an ESL version of Lawrence of Arabia, James Bond and Che Guevara all rolled into one.

There was a guy TDO(The Dangerous One) who used to post on the old discussion format.Claimed he wanted to teach in North Korea.Then Libya.Then claimed he was stuck in Mali because "bandits stole my passport" and he had a deadline to get to Tripoli(Libya).Undoubtedly a troll.
Ciao for Now

Iraq? I'm ready to go! Wouldn't pass up an opportunity like that. But I'd look at it the same way I'd look at any other job: How much money, how many hours, what are the perks, etc. I've grown wary of the do-gooder, international social-worker positions; but if the money's there, I'm game.

If you want to teach students from Iraq come to England - plenty of (eminently sensible) Kurdish asylum seekers in our classes. If only the coming conflict was all about these people's welfare and not over black gold.